“Being in this era, you ought to tell the stories about this era,” says by Chan Tze-woon, director of Blue Island – an uncensored documentary that cannot be screened publicly in Hong Kong.
HKFP speaks to four film directors about navigating new red lines under Hong Kong’s security law. Whilst some now enjoy free expression abroad, others have opted to stay and believe the restrictions could give rise to more creativity.
Since Hong Kong’s legislature amended the Film Censorship Ordinance in 2021, enabling the government to ban films deemed contrary to national security from being screened, some directors have given up releasing their works in Hong Kong.
Subscribe to HKFP's twice-weekly newsletter for a concise round-up of local news and our best coverage. Unsubscribe at any time - we will not pass on your data to third parties.
Processing… Success! You're on the list. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.The film authorities told HKFP that a total of three films have been banned since 2021 thus far – the first film bans since the 1997 Handover. At least 14 films have reported trouble in applying for screening approval over the past two years, according to analysis by HKFP.
Some directors were asked to remove certain scenes – including those showing protests and the Taiwan presidential election – according to related news reports.
Chan’s documentary was nominated for Best Documentary at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards, yet he has decided not to send the film to censors in Hong Kong: “I won’t for my next work either,” he told HKFP. However, Chan insisted on continuing making documentaries on Hong Kong, despite not being able to release them in the city.
“I think Hong Kong’s current climate is even more suitable for creative work,” Chan said, “Too many topics and stories need to be told, both through documentary and drama.”
Britain's new bonkers EV: Callum Skye is an £80k electric buggy built in Warwickshire
Braves ace Spencer Strider begins recovery from elbow surgery, says team can win World Series
Wondrous Xinjiang: Xinjiang's mobile bazaar blooms ahead
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
A politician running for mayor in northern Mexico is killed, the 16th hopeful slain over June vote
Experts on Taylor Swift’s poetry in ‘The Tortured Poets Department'
Angela Rayner makes her second visit to a housing project in just four days
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Bill Tobin, a longtime NFL executive who helped build the 1985 Bears championship team, has died
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
Angela Rayner makes her second visit to a housing project in just four days